Mechanical loss factors of materials and suspension systems for advanced gravitational wave detectors

Rowan, S. , Alexandrovski, A., Cagnoli, G., Fejer, M.M., Gustafson, E.K., Hough, J. , McIntosh, S., Sneddon, P. and Route, R. (2000) Mechanical loss factors of materials and suspension systems for advanced gravitational wave detectors. In: 3rd Eduardo Amaldi conference on gravitational waves, Pasadena, CA, July 1999, 293 -299. ISBN 1563969440 (doi: 10.1063/1.1291870)

Abstract

The thermal noise of the fused silica test masses and their metal suspension fibers presents a significant limitation to the sensitivity of interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Advanced suspensions are likely to require the use of materials of substantially lower mechanical loss. Here we present measurement of the mechanical loss of fused quartz elements suitable for use as suspension fibers in an advanced suspension system and summarize measurements of the mechanical and optical loss of potential replacement test mass materials.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cagnoli, Dr Gianpietro and Rowan, Professor Sheila and Hough, Professor James and Sneddon, Dr Peter
• Authors: Rowan, S., Alexandrovski, A., Cagnoli, G., Fejer, M.M., Gustafson, E.K., Hough, J., McIntosh, S., Sneddon, P., and Route, R.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Research Centre: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy > Institute for Gravitational Research
• Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings
• ISSN: 0094-243X
• ISBN: 1563969440